Madagascar

Overview

Amongst the largest islands in the world, Madagascar has a chain of mountains down its centre, the Hauts Plateaux which have resulted in the clear differences between the east and west coasts. These contrasts are geographical and social. The Polynesian settled east is now predominantly monsoon impacted lowlands and rainforests whereas the west is covered mostly with savannahs.

The island has an extraordinary number of species of butterfly and lemur but also the native spider tortoises, chameleons and tomato frogs. Another creature that makes the choice of beach for swimming as well as sunbathing rather important is the shark. Care must certainly be taken. The capital, Antananaviro has the Tsimbazaza Zoological and Botanical Garden for further flora and fauna experiences and the Analakely and Zuma markets for a more local lifestyle opportunity. There is a coast to coast train from Fianarantosa to Manakara which offers mountain scenes and a good chance to see much of the country. The former is also a good base for a trip to Ranomafana National Park which has hot springs. The resort of Nossi Bé main city is the interestingly named Hell-Ville where the ruins of a seventeenth century Indian Village can be seen.

The many different landscapes offer varied types of exploration. The Isado national park is set in sandstone mountains the Tsingy de Bermaraha Strict Nature Reserve has mangrove swamps and the dense vegetation of the Ile Ste-Marie. Throughout the country, treks tend to be organised on a thematic basis such as ethnological, ornithological and...more

History

Formerly an independent kingdom, Madagascar became a French colony in 1896, but regained its independence in 1960. During 1992-93, free presidential and National Assembly elections were held, ending 17 years of single-party rule. In 1997, in the second presidential race, Didier RATSIRAKA, the leader during the 1970s and 1980s, was returned to the presidency. The 2001 presidential election was contested between the followers of Didier RATSIRAKA and Marc RAVALOMANANA, nearly causing secession of half of the country. In April 2002, the High Constitutional Court announced RAVALOMANANA the winner.